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37

 

37.
It’s not a birthday that the average person looks forward to. Most people celebrate the 1st, the 16th, the 21st, the 30th, and all the 10 year ones from then on. And yet I, I have been waiting most of my life for my 37th birthday. For real.
You see growing up that birthday came to have a certain significance for me. From as far back as I could remember, if ever there was something I wanted to do that my dad didn’t really want me to do (because that meant I would be getting older and no longer his baby girl) he would give me the same answer to ever question. That answer was, “when you are 37”. I wanted to wear make up. 37. I wanted to get my ears pierced. 37. You see where this was going.
I had tried to outsmart him (shocking I know) by making my number on my sports teams be 37. I thought it was clever of me. 😉


I think he just always assumed that 37 would never come. Not that he thought I would be dead by then (morbid thought). I am sure when a 15 year old, whom you still see as 5 years old, is asking you to go out on a date with a boy (a boy who is a senior and you are only a sophomore. A boy with a car), the thought of me being 37 seemed pretty far off.
And yet, here it is. Well, not yet, but soon. July 2nd for those of you wondering. I was born 7-2-72. Which pretty much makes me extra special.  😉
In order to gear up for the big 37, my father has been sending me random photos of my childhood…and a check, each time for $37 (yes, my weirdness does come from my family, no denying that).
So sorry dad. Time is up. The birthday you always worried would come, is finally here. I get to get my ears pierced. I get to wear make up. Shave my legs. Go on a date. Kiss a boy. Dye my hair some weird color. Wear something that makes you shake your head.  Drive a car. Go away to college. Move out of the house. I get to get married. I get to (Dad close your eyes) have sex (ps. My husband is looking forward to this one 😛 ).
Now granted (again Dad, turn away), I’ve already done these things, but the year 37 has always stuck in my head. The longest running joke if you will in our family. Guess it is time for a new one.
To ease my father’s pain I have made a grasshopper tart. My Dad is a huge chocolate mint fan and so I figured if the big 37 was approaching, this might make it easier on him.
Hang in there Dad. I may be turning 37, but I’m still your little girl.

Grasshopper Tart

Chocolate Tart Shell:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I like Green and Black’s)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled, diced into small pieces
2 large egg yolks
1 TBSP Crème de Mente (or 1 tsp peppermint extract)
1 TBSP whole milk

Using a food processor, add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Pulse for about 10 seconds until all ingredients are combined.
Add the butter. Make sure to spread the pieces evenly through out the bowl. Pulse until the dough forms into pieces (about the size of couscous).
Add egg yolks, Crème de Mente, and milk. Pulse until completely combined and it has formed into dough.
Divide in half. Form into disc shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Remove from fridge and lightly flour a work surface. Roll out and form into tart pan/tart rings. Prick the dough with a fork. Cover with parchment paper and use beans or pie weights to hold dough down.
Bake for 8 minutes on 350F. Remove from oven. Carefully remove parchment paper and weights. Place back into oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Filling:
8 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
5 TBSP unsalted butter
1 large egg yolk
¼ cup water
handful of mint leaves

In a small saucepan bring 1 cup (but you will only be using ¼ cup of it) water and mint leaves to a boil. Remove from heat. Let sit for 1 hour. Strain out the mint leaves and set aside.
Using a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter together, just until smooth. Set aside.
Bring ¼ cup of the mint water to a boil.
Whisk egg yolk in small heatproof bowl.
Gradually whisk in ¼  cup boiling mint water to temper the egg yolk. Place bowl over a small saucepan that has shallow simmering water (or you can use another double boiler) until instant-read thermometer inserted into egg mixture registers 160°F, about 3 minutes.
Whisk egg mixture into chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.
Pour chocolate filling into crust. Cover and chill overnight or up to 2 days.
Garnish with marshmallow topping in whatever patterns you would like.
Before serving, let tart soften slightly at room temperature.

Marshmallow Topping:
1 ½ cups marshmallows
1 TBSP Crème de Mente
1 TBSP whole milk
couple drops of green food coloring
In a small saucepan combine all ingredients and melt marshmallows down over low heat. When marshmallows have melted and it looks sauce-like, remove from pan. Decorate tart.

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Comments

  1. That’s so funny! It’s strange how certain ages seem so far off, but they keep coming quicker! This tart looks delicious! I love chocolate and mint.

    Reply

  6. The stories about your father are priceless. (I still love the one about driving through the ghetto and comparing that to the lobster dinner.)

    Happy birthday, Peabody!

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  11. That was so cute!! My grandpa would always say “It’ll be better by the time you get married,” whenever I’d complain about something or get hurt, as a child. 🙂 And since I’m 37 now (about to turn 38), I welcome you to your special year!

    Reply

  14. I laughed the whole way through that. Soooo funny that you picked 37 as your jersey #. That is totally something my oldest would do!
    And those tarts look just sinfully good. I’m so glad I’m 37 so I can have one!

    Reply

  18. Happy (early) Birthday!!!
    I love love love your “Daddy-daughter” story.
    Our youngest daughter is only 2 yrs old but my hubby has already planned out what he’s going to do for some of her adolescent milestones.

    Ex: When the 1st boy comes to pick her up, he will answer the door in his work gear, holding his axe (he’s a firefighter).

    Oh but according to him that day won’t come bcuz she isn’t allowed to have a boyfriend lol

    There is nothing sweeter than the Daddy / daughter relationship.

    Reply

  23. You have the most amzaing photos! Love this recipe and will have to try it for a 4th of July potluck I’m going to.

    Reply

  27. That is a great story! My dad and I have always been close and this sounds like an inside joke we would have. 🙂

    I loooove chocolate mint. Looks so yummy!

    Happy (early) birthday!

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  29. What a sweet sweet story! My dad was equally goofy. We had a few stories like this as well. Mine, unfortunately, never saw me turn 37. Give your dad an extra hug for me.

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  30. okay, now i have to change my son’s magic age to like 80 or something. thanks for the giggle…and the tart recipe! i’m so making it this weekend!

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  32. see now that was quite an adorable and sweet post. who cares what people think about the opinions you post here, its your blog! do with it what you will, whether that is to rant or review a childhood memory. either way, its wonderfully entertaining.

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  34. I was really hoping that I would be comment # 37, but I think I’m early. That tart looks awesome! Happy (upcoming) birthday. Party like you’re 37!

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  36. What a wonderful story and your Dad sounds awesome. Only slightly more awesome than that tart looks ::DROOL::

    I’m hitting the daunting 33 on July 2 this year and I’m still my daddy’s little girl 🙂

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  37. I’m sure your DH *is* looking forward to you turning 37. 😉 What a great post – but most especially – that last sentence. We’re always “Daddy’s Little Girl” – aren’t we? Happy birthday to you! (early) My DH will be…ahem…44 the day before you. 🙂

    Reply

  40. What a great post and family story and what a fun birth-day. Reminds me of how my mom has always called me her baby (I’m 3rd of 6!). But whenever I would want to do things, she’d always say I couldn’t because I’m her baby. Parents! 😉
    That tart looks de-lish!

    Reply

  43. At our house, it’s all “when you’re 38.” That goes for coffee drinking, beer drinking, getting a tattoo, etc.. Our girls (3 and 4 years old right now) figured out numbers right around the time their dad and I turned 38. Wonder if that magic age will stick for them like it did for you?! Wonderful story!

    Reply

  44. For us, our mom used to say “wait till you get married”, which then seemed like never!

    And we tell our daughter, “wit till 16” for some things and “when you’ve got a job” for some other things!! 😀

    A very Happy Birthday to you Peabody. I hope you get to all those things you were waiting for till you turned 37. 🙂

    Reply

  45. Happy birthday dear, amazing story! Your tart is a poem, I think your dad will forgive you for turning 37!

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  46. Your dad sounds like a sweetheart. I bet this is a hard birthday for him to see go by. Maybe he will have to change that number to 73. I love stories like this. The mint tart looks great too.

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  47. Ooooh that grasshopper tart sounds GOOD! 7-2-72 is a pretty cool number combo. I realized when I was like 12 years old, that I would turn 30 on 11-12-13. Ever since that realization I thought it was the coolest thing ever. As we are approaching 2010, I’m beginning to feel it’s not that far off and that seems CRAZY!

    Reply

  48. i turned 37 on june 2nd so i can say it’s not that bad and i am still looking good LOL! the tart sounds great and in germany we do not wish before the actual birthday so i will keep the 7-2-72 in mind and come back then! hugs!

    Reply

  49. Happy Birthday! I turned 37 in January. It doesn’t seem so bad…

    Your dad sounds hillarious and the tart looks really delicious!

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  51. awww that’s really adorable! I think my dad kept forgetting how old my sister and I were. eh, oh well. ;D Happy early bday Peabody, and hope it’s a blast! i’m sure you’ll find a way to make it extra special!…like a tattoo, but that’s up to you 🙂 if you don’t have one already, i hope your dad’s not reading this…if so, i’m totally kidding.
    take care!

    Reply

  55. happy birthday! hope you have an l337 day! (that’s geek speak for elite heheh) your dad is just too cute!

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  56. That post was both touching and funny! Oh, and your tart looks lovely. The marshmallow topping would be heavenly just on a spoon I’m sure.
    ~ingrid

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  61. That’s such a sweet story and a scrumptious looking dessert. Dads never stop seeing us as their little girl.
    My dad is also a fan of chocolate-mint. This looks far better than the epic disaster that resulted from his attempt at chocolate mint cheesecake. But we can always laugh about it.

    Reply

  62. Pea –

    GOod afternoon. This is such a sweet post. Daddy loves his little girl and that is priceless, you are a lucky girl.

    Reply

  63. Cute post! My dad never told me ages like that…though I probably never asked those questions! I will agree that certain traits run in families…my dad has this really corny sense of humor…and I inherited it! The tarts are SO neat looking. I love the stream of green on top…so artistic.

    Reply

  65. Lovely post! Happy birthday to you and happy father’s day to your dad too. (And regarding the idea of being 37 years old, I can tell you it sounds pretty darn young to me! It’s relative.)

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  67. I turn 37 this year too! Funny how growing up you never feel like you will be 30, 35, …

    Your tart looks great. I may just have to make this one!

    Reply

  69. This story about your Dad is so heartwarming. I love how every little girl has a special story they share with their father. Happy Birthday to you and I’m sure your Dad is happy to see his little girl finally be able to grow up…hehe.

    Reply

  70. I’ll be turning 30 a few short days after your special day. 🙂 Just wish that I was looking forward to it, rather than dreading the thought. Wanna just celebrate 37 twice for me??
    And your tart looks wonderful. I’ve been on a tart kick myself (orange-chocolate ganache, key lime, S’mores…)

    Reply

  77. Happy soon-to-be-birthday!!
    37??
    Shoot, you are a youngster!!
    I love this recipe…may try to get all the ingrefiants tomorrow and make this for Father’s Day family get-together on Sunday..
    Your dad must be so stinkin’ proud of you!!
    Glad you decided to continue the blog 🙂

    Reply

  78. Awwwww! That’s such a sweet story 🙂 Wish my family was that cool & close-knit. You’re so lucky (and so is your dad, for raising such an awesome baker!). Grasshopper Tarts? Yes please!
    A very happy early birthday to ya. Do you plan to make your own birthday cake?

    Reply

  82. Oh Peabody – that story reminded me of my mum when I first started dating. I always had to be home by 11.00pm – in her mind nothing naughty would happen before that hour – but after that uh oh! Promise to regularly comment and not be a lurker any more!

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  88. Nothing wrong with that! I’ve been the same way, always wanting to be 35. I’m 24 now, so only nine years to go 🙂 Have a happy! (And that recipe looks fabulous).

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  90. lol. Hilarious story. This recipe is a keeper…just printed it out. I come to your site for the stories and pictures, but usually the recipes are out of my range (you have either more time or more dedication than I do!) but this one looks like something I’ll have to make anyway…and I have everything but the mint leaves, and those are growing in my MIL’s garden!

    Reply

  91. OOO! I know what my hubby’s getting for his first father’s day!
    I was trying to decide what to make for him and I always forget how much he likes mint! (i’m not a fan)

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  92. Oh, my nerdo number sequence freak husband would love your birthday, especially when you turned 27, because you’d be 02/07/72 27. He would LOVE it! Personally, I don’t get the coolness of it. He’d love it when you turn 72, too.

    Your grasshopper pies are sweet!

    Reply

  99. Your poor Dad…now you are really grown up. Bet the tart sweetens the shock 🙂
    Happy birthday early Peabody. I have a special recipe I’m working on to celebrate it (virtually) with you.

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  103. That tart reminds me of a Andes Chocolate Mint Pie that I used to get at a restaurant in the town where I went to college. I’ve been dying to try to make something similar and this may be it. Looks so good! Oh and happy birthday 🙂

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  110. Oh I am so laughing with you on this one – my age was 36, and it came from my mother, not my father. My mother is still in denial about my having two children before I turned the magical 36, the age at which I was also allowed to have sex. The immaculate conception x 2!
    I guess our families share the same kind of weirdness.

    Reply

  113. Beautiful cupcakes-1oved the lady fingers that were recycled, so to speak! Another year gone by and you have baked up a storm to share with us! we love reading your blog and posts!

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  115. Great story! A little sad for daddy but I loved it. And that tart looks like it would be worth waiting 37 years for but I’m glad I dont have too,It’s going on the list!

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  120. Happy Belated Birthday Peabody!! I’m 37 too!
    I remember as a kid being in your late 30’s sounded CRAZY far away…like you’re old! haha I think age is so relative, I still look and act young (ok ok immature lol), so I guess I can’t complain 🙂
    My bday is in May so you’re only a couple months younger than me..cool.

    Ps: glad your back! I’ve been away so I need to catch up on your blog.
    I’m thinking of making those tiramisu cupcakes tonight, they look heavenly! Thanks for the recipe

    Reply

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